Longford people have up to 25pc less money than national average, Dáil told

The Dáil has been told people in Longford have up to 25 per cent less disposable income than the national average.

Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke was speaking during her party's motion on workers' rights last night.

It calls for the government to bring the minimum wage into line with the living wage  and reverse the decision to delay its introduction until 2029.

There's a gap of €1.25 an hour between both rates.

Deputy Clarke says the cost-of-living crisis is hitting her constituency hard:

But Employment Minister Peter Burke - another Longford-Westmeath TD - did not commit to bringing forward the living wage implementation.

He defended the delay: